Important legislation passes as session ends

I want to thank all who emailed, called or wrote with regard to our Jasper port piece that appeared in the Savannah Morning News and several other outlets.

Most of us understand the importance of the port as a future driver of the economy in our area of the Lowcountry. It’s pretty clear we are in for a long struggle. I’ve been on this for 10 years and it might take that long again to see this to completion. So be it.

The Marine Corps license plate passed this session. I am grateful for all the help and support from the Moss Creek Marines. This is a great group whose mission is to help Marines, especially those returning from deployment. If you want to know more, search “Moss Creek Marines” online. They can use your support, as they have much to do and not a lot of resources.

At long last, the “golf cart bill” is now the “golf cart law.” There are so many people and groups to thanks for the work they put into this multi-year effort. My good friend Sheriff Tanner was instrumental in the refinement and passage of this bill, as was Senator Davis.

The good folks over on Daufuskie Island made a lot of calls and wrote a ton of letters in support of the cause. Obviously, the Sun City Legislative Affairs Committee deserves a great deal of credit for visiting with a certain senator and helping him understand how misguided his hold on the bill was. I promise I will only call upon this posse when it is absolutely needed.

In truth, it is a little disappointing to have spent as much time as we did on such a common sense piece of legislation. Golf carts, when properly outfitted and insured, are a great way to get around the neighborhood, go to the grocery store, pharmacy or doctor’s appointment. They are inexpensive to operate, don’t pollute, and allow us to have a little fun as well. Why it took years to get this through is tough to figure.

Last week, I had the pleasure of honoring the Town of Bluffton as well as two of the excellent people who make the town as successful as it is.

Marc Orlando was recognized by the full body of the House of Representatives for his unique contributions to the town, and especially his efforts in maintaining the character, integrity, and historical coherence of the Old Town. His role is often to mediate between those who want to keep Bluffton as it is and those who wish to develop their property to its best and most productive uses.

It is a tough place to stand, but Marc is known as an honest broker with credibility in both camps. He deserves this recognition.

The Town of Bluffton was recognized by the House for its good work in the May River watershed. The award was accepted by Town engineer Ron Bullman.

Ron came over from the private sector with a can-do attitude and gets things done. He also had talks with DHEC that will continue as we search for ways to finds grants to assist the town in restoring the river to full shellfish harvesting.

Finally, my good friend Jeff Fulghum is out with his first book, called “The Bluffton Experience”. It is about the burning of Bluffton during the Civil War, among other things.

Jeff, as you may remember, is a decorated Army veteran. He fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and continues to serve as a staff sergeant in the National Guard. Expect to hear much more from this talented Bluffton native.

Bill Herbkersman, R-Bluffton, represents District 118 in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He can be reached through his website at www.herbkersman.com or by telephone at 757-7900.